Marriage and the Golden Rule

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

03 Dec 2006 08:10 AM

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Despite all the tips and advice given regarding marriage here and everywhere else, the Golden Rule is probably the best way to sum up the effort to build a happy marriage. As long as no one has a self-destructive disorder, he or she is going to wish to be treated well. It makes sense then that if we treat our spouses just as well as we would like to be treated, at least most of the time, the relationship should reflect that.

This is also true of dating, but when we're dating we tend to put our best foot forward. After the wedding, many couples stop putting each other first. When things are new it's easy to give of yourself. When it becomes an everyday thing, it's a bit more difficult to put into practice.

Yet, if we work to continue treating our spouses as we want to be treated, we'll find that it becomes a habit. We'll also find that it becomes reciprocal. It won't always be perfectly equal, but your husband or wife will want to do more to please you when he or she feels important and appreciated.

This time of year, with the joy of the season, it's a little easier to be kind to one another. However, this is something that we should strive to keep in mind and put into practice all year long, every year. If you ask couples with successful relationships about this they'll tell you it's true. In fact, you probably won't have to ask, because it will be noticeable in the way they interact with each other.

Also, keep in mind that this doesn't just apply to major issues; it's as important if not more so, when it comes to the little things. Being thoughtful of our mates shows them how much we care. Loving someone enough to put them first is one of the greatest confirmations of genuine love.

Related:

Love, Honor, and Cherish

You Can't Change Each Other (Or Can You?)

It's the Little Things

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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